With winter’s touch in the air, the Alabama Gulf Coast is full of activity as northern guests make their annual migration south. 

“We always welcome the return of our winter guests who have a significant economic and social impact on the area,” said Herb Malone, president and CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “Not only do these guests choose our beautiful beaches as their annual retreat, they give back to the surrounding community through their volunteer work.” 

Expressing its appreciation for these winter guests, the CVB will serve free coffee and cookies at its Welcome Centers in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach through Feb. 29. 

After sampling the tasty cookie selection, guests will probably want to check out the following activities. 

Recognizing the inner artist, the Orange Beach Art Center will showcase numerous classes at its location on Canal Road in Orange Beach. Artist and college instructor Rich Willows will teach two six-week watercolor classes: “Introduction to Watercolor” is held on Mondays (Jan. 7 and Feb. 11) from 9-11:30 a.m., and “Intermediate Watercolor” is scheduled for Wednesdays (Jan. 9-Feb. 13) from 9-11:30 a.m. Each class costs $80.  

Meanwhile, local artist Steve Dark will conduct a four-week pottery class on Wednesdays (Jan. 9-30) from 6-8:30 p.m. at the center. The $85 cost includes clay and firing, but students will need simple pottery tools and glaze. 

Also, artist Tommy Vogel will hold pastel classes at the center on Thursdays (Jan. 24-Feb. 28) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. The six-week course costs $80, which includes all materials. 

For more information or to register for a class, call the Orange Beach Art Center at 251-981-2787. 

Then let the good times roll, featuring St. Athanasios Church’s Greek Night, Saturday (Jan. 12) at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, and the Gulf Shores Knights of Columbus Mardi Gras Dance on Jan. 18, also at the Meyer Center. The danceis from 7-10 p.m. and is casual dress, but BYOB. For more information or to buy a $25 ticket (per couple), call 251-543-1116 or 251-540-7108. 

Continue the musical celebration with the Entertainment Series 2008, presented by the Special Events Division of the City of Gulf Shores. Also held at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, this concert series spans a wide range: Big Band Broadcast (Jan. 21-22), Men of the Deeps (Jan. 28-29), Celebration Winds (Feb. 8), Pam Tillis (Feb. 12-13), Roger Williams (Feb. 18-20), The Little Women Musical (Feb. 26-27) and the Les Brown Band of Renown (March 3-4). All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information and ticket prices, call 251-968-1172 or visit www.cityofgulfshores.org. 

Perhaps, a guided tour of the Bon Secour National Wildlife sounds appealing to nature-lovers. Held every Tuesday and Thursday in February and March, the one- hour tours enable guests to discover almost 7,000 acres of intact coastal habitat. While there is no charge, space is limited to 12 people per tour. To make a reservation, call the refuge office at 251-540-7720.

Also in February, the Caribe Resort in Orange Beach will host the Alabama Lifestyles Retirement Expo, catered specifically for those 55 and over. This free event on Thursday, Feb. 7, offers attendees information about living in Alabama, health, finance and real estate. For more information, call 1-800-235-4757 or visit www.alabamaadvantage.com. 

Finally, the Coastal Chorale Snowbird Serenade will be held Feb. 21-24 at the First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores. Tap your toes as the group performs favorite songs from yesterday and today. Evening performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday begin at 7:30, and Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 3. For more information or to buy a $10 ticket, call 251-928-3952 or visit www.coastalchorale.com. 

As always the staff of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau is here answer any question. Call 1-800-745-SAND or visit either www.orangebeach

.com, or www.gulfshores.com.